Gambling initiation in preadolescents.

Gambling has increased in the past decade, with growing opportunities for initiation by adolescents. More limited data, however, are available regarding gambling in preadolescents. In the investigation reported here, gambling for money was the most common risk behavior in 10- to 12-year-olds. Gamblers were more likely to be white, have tried alcohol, have positive affect toward gambling, and have friends who gamble.